Getting to know the Badgers: Kelsey Kleist

Meet freshman Badger Kelsey Kleist! She is from Plymouth, Minn. and attended Wayzata High School. The catcher was a four-year letterwinner and a two-time first-team all-conference selection. She made first-team all-state her junior year, was named team captain and first-team all-section her senior year, and led her team in batting average and RBI. Kelsey was also a letterwinner is basketball. She participated in marching band, mock trial, photography and Spanish club. Her parents are Scott and RaNae Kleist and she has one younger brother, Konnor. Number 33's hobbies include photography, basketball and music and her major is undecided.

We took a little time for some Q&A with Kelsey:

Q: Who or what got you started in softball?A: My parents signed me up for all sorts of sports as a little kid, and softball is the sport that stuck.

Q: At what age did you start playing softball?A: I started playing at about the age of six, when I participated in t-ball, and I worked my way up to fastpitch.

Q: If you didn't play softball, which sport would you play?A: I would definitely play basketball.

Q: What is your dream job?A: To be a photographer for National Geographic, and travel the world taking pictures of wildlife.

Q: What is your favorite movie?A: Grease, such a classic.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete/athletic team?A: Joe Mauer from the Minnesota Twins. He's a lefty batter and a catcher! We were meant to be!

Q: Describe your dream vacationA: To travel with my family and my camera to the Australian outback.

Q: What is your favorite sports/softball memory?A: Beating our high school rival at their home field, in extra innings my junior year. Such a small victory, but it was the most exciting game I've ever played in.

Q: Do you have any pump up or pre-game music or rituals?A: No doubt, Eminem's song Lose Yourself. I thought the song was so cool in like fifth grade, and have been listening to it before every game since.

Q: What is the best part of playing softball at Wisconsin?A: Spending time with the team! Being surrounded by such talented and fun girls has made the transition into college so much easier.

Q: Where is you favorite spot on campus?A: My dorm! It's also nice to come back to Dejope to study, sleep and eat.

Q: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?A: Peppermint bon bon

Q: What is your favorite Crayola crayon color?A: Red, of course!

Q: What TV show do you wish you could be in?A: Seinfeld, the show about nothing. I would love to hangout with George, Jerry, Elaine and Kramer!

Q: If you could be any person for a day, who would you be?A: I would want to be the President of the United States, just to hangout in the White House.

Q: If you were stranded on an island and could only have three items with you, what would they be?A: I would bring my camera bag, (loaded with solar battery packs) a Sudoku puzzle book, and a good beach chair.